Community service in the wake of Sandy

Community Chest’s Executive Director Bob Block made a point about community service at his organization’s annual meeting.

Jeffrey Bessen/Herald

The National Anthem was sung by Hewlett High School’s Quartet at Community Chest’s annual meeting. Juniors Rose Generoso, Laurie Antoine, Maria Suleymanov and Jasmine Pei.

Jeffrey Bessen/Herald

Woodmere resident Anne DeMichael hugged Five Towns Community Chest Chairman Eric Kesolwitz after she received the group’s Citizenship Award.

Jeffrey Bessen/Herald

By Jeffrey Bessen

Post-Hurricane Sandy storm relief dominated the annual Five Towns Community Chest meeting held in Gold Hall at the Hewlett-Woodmere Public Library on Monday. From videos showing the work done by Community Chest members and other Five Towns groups and residents to awards given to individuals, community service in the aftermath of Sandy was the talk of the night. “That was some effort and we were all proud to be a part of it,” said Chest Executive Director Bob Block, who received the group’s 2012 Joseph M. Sokol Memorial Award. “This a heck of a team and I’m glad to be a part of it,” Block added. Woodmere resident Ann DeMichael, who works as an aide to 7th District County Legislator Howard Kopel (R-Lawrence) was recognized for her contributions post-Sandy with Community Chest’s Citizenship Award. “I want to thank my boss for letting me go out into the community and help,” she said. Using the endowment and stretching their resources to the limit, “put our organization to test and I have to say we passed with flying colors,” said Chest President Steven Spiro. Whether it was loading pallets and trucks with supplies, assisting at the food pantry or supporting the Lawrence School District’s Health Fair and the Hewlett-Woodmere communities’ Arts Below Sunrise festival, Chest Chairman Eric Keslowitz said these things are done because of his organization’s dedication and affection for the Five Towns. “We are committed to our community, because we love it,” he said. Keynote speaker, Town of Hempstead Councilman Anthony Santino, spoke about all that was done in the Five Towns and reminded everyone that the recovery continues. “Remembering the damage of Hurricane Sandy, we have come a long way, but we still have a long way to go,” he said, adding that this is a “strong and resilient community.” Looking toward a better year in 2013, Spiro said he was proud of, “the way we looked out for each other,” and he wants to, “reach out to groups that have not been part of our group.”

Sid Tanenbaum, who lived in Woodmere and owned a metal-stamping shop in Far Rockaway, where he was known more for his charitable ways than his two-handed set shot, has been honored for the past 30 years with a basketball tournament that raises scholarship money for students in the Five Towns.